ROYAL OAK – Royal Oak-based charities once again benefited from another successful Ford Arts, Beats and Eats festival, racking up more than $100,000 in donations for the fifth consecutive year.

The total amount of money raised at the Labor Day weekend event from gate admissions, beverage proceeds, the FirstMerit Community Challenge, Arts Du Jour charity preview and other festival sponsored community initiatives totaled $360,820. In the 17-year history of Arts, Beats and Eats, only one year brought in more money for non-profits and community organizations.

"One of the things I insisted on (when Arts, Beats and Eats talked about moving to Royal Oak) was that our Royal Oak-based charities benefit from this," said Mayor Jim Ellison of the $106,104 given to city groups. "And to this day (festival producer Jon Witz) has been true to that promise."

Pam Koby, a member of the Royal Oak Woman's Club, said being able to volunteer at the festival and receive money for it is a "fantastic gift."

"In addition to our own group we support many other community organizations so this is great because it enables us to support them even more than we already do," she said.

Witz said every community group that participated more than earned their checks, as they "provide crucial volunteers, logistics and promotion of the festival."

Speaking of community, the FirstMerit Bank Community Challenge, which pledges $20,000 in grants to the organizations that raise the most money at Arts, Beats and Eats, has raised more than $185,000 in just two years.

"This is always a first-class event and one of the best events we participate in throughout the year," said Pat Reardon, senior vice president at FirstMerit Corporation.

It also was a good weekend for health and wellness as the Priority Health Arts in Motion 5K/10KWalk/Run saw its numbers increase from 419 runners to 521 this year, and the Zumbathon grew from 771 participants to 1,216.

"This year the results exceeded our expectations," said Don Whitford, vice president of the eastern region for Priority Health.

The estimated economic impact of the festival was that it brought $33 million to the area, while the total bar, restaurant and retail revenues were estimated at $11,262. The figures are based on the Michigan tourism and economic impact model.

Witz said a great relationship has been formed during the five years in Royal Oak and he only expects it to continue.

"Today reflects what this event is all about," he said. "And that is collaboration and community."